Imphal, Dec 17, 2008: Drawing serious concern over the various 'developmental initiatives' such as NIT, Mapithel Dam, Tipaimukh Dam, the expansion of the Imphal Airport and Manipur University and alleging it as 'displacing and a threat' to the people of the State, the Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) will organise a three day state level workshop in Development and Displacement.To be held from December 18-20, the three-day event will be held at the Youth Hostel, Khuman Lampak in Imphal East.

A joint press statement issued by Joseph Hmar and Aram Pamei, secretary and co-convenor of CCDD respectively alleged that the people of Manipur have suffered much due to the developmental projects which are insensitive and incompatible to the rights, wishes and needs of the people.

The statement also alleged that in the name of development, the State was acquiring people's land thereby forcing the indigenous people to vacate their original habitats without addressing the multifaceted concerns of the affected people for dignified survival.

While terming this move as a displacement, the statement also asserted that this act was the very act of uprooting the lives of the indigenous people.

The statement also further alleged that the developmental initiatives such as NIT, Mapithel Dam, Tipaimukh Dam, the expansion of the Imphal Airport and Manipur University were planned in complete exclusion of the people and maintained that it was threatening them with displacement.

Stating the workshop is being organised by CCDD to better understand the implications of the increasing trend of unsustainable developmental policies and practices introduced in the state and to forge out a clear people oriented strategy for sustainable development, the organisation has also called upon the people and the concerns of the state to come and share their knowledge and wisdom.